Latitude

Latitude is the measure of how far north or south one is from the equator. This angular measurement is given in degrees, minutes (1/60th of a degree), and seconds (1/60th of a minute) of arc. The nautical mile is set as the distance on the surface of the earth of 1 minute of arc, being an average of 6,080 feet. Thus, there are 60 nautical miles in one degree of latitude. Latitude lines are parallel around the globe; the equator is the 0° latitude line, the North Pole is at 90° North latitude, and the South Pole is at 90° South latitude. The "45th parallel" or the 45° North latitude line runs east-west through the middle of Maine.